The humbly, yet implicatively titled Aviation collection possibly is the most widely recognized range of watches from Bell & Ross. With its debut in 2005 it not only helped to bring the brand to a much wider audience, but also to ultimately make watches inspired by aviation and instruments a more important trend in the watch world. The BR03 line of watches are part of the Aviation collection and today we are looking at a new and very limited piece called the BR03-51 GMT-TWG, sold exclusively by The Watch Gallery UK.

The model in question is an alternative version of the also new BR03-51 GMT Carbon, which is not to be confused with the other model called “GMT Titanium” (the one that actually has a dial where there’s carbon fiber material visible). What the GMT Carbon offers instead is a carbon dial in solid black, a 42 millimeter stainless steel case with black PVD coating to increase the stealthy nature of the watch, and also the dial now proudly states GMT just below the Bell & Ross logo at the 3 o’clock position. What makes this particular piece a limited edition is the fact that only 50 numbered pieces will be made and that the three colored parts are painted to the “The Watch Gallery blue” instead of orange.

With its big date and a GMT function, this model is a more down-to-earth version than several of its counterparts from the collection. While, the three splashes of blue add some vibrance to the otherwise rather formal black and white looks. Despite the added features, legibility should remain splendid even in low-light conditions, thanks to the large luminescent hands and block indexes. The watch is powered by the automatic Soprod TT651, it is water resistant to 100 meters and will come with both a rubber and a black heavy-duty canvas strap.

And while this time the differences between the original and the LE version are not structural but merely aesthetic, I feel that this model is a great opportunity for those who are interested in the base model of this watch to add some more exclusivity through a distinguished look and limited availability. The price for each of the 50 pieces will be £3,500 and they will be available exclusively from theWatchGallery.com.

Tech Specs:

Movement: mechanical automatic Soprod TT651.
Crystal: anti-reflective sapphire.
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, big date at 12 o’clock, second time zone (counter at 6 o’clock).
Case: 42 mm diameter. Stainless steel, black PVD finish. Screw-in crown.
Dial: black, carbon. Hands, index markers and date window covered in a photo-luminescent coating.
Water-resistance: 100 meters.
Strap: rubber and black heavy-duty canvas.
Buckle: pin buckle. Black PVD finish steel.
Price: £3,500